Nerve Growth Factor is the first of a series of neurotrophic factors that were found to influence the growth and differentiation of sympathetic and sensory neurons. It is comprised of alpha, beta, and gamma subunits. The beta subunit is responsible for its growth stimulating activity. The synthesis of NGF in astrocytes is enhanced by various other cytokines

The sequence of the first five N-terminal amino acids was determined and was found to be

Ser-Ser-Thr-His-Pro.

Dimers and Aggregates

1% as determined by silver-stained SDS-PAGE gel analysis.

Biological Activity

Fully biologically active when compared to standards.

Activity was measured in a cell proliferation assay using a factor-dependent human erythroleukemic cell line, TF-1, the ED50 for this effect is typically 0.3-1ng/ml corresponding to a

Specific Activity

1x10e6 IU/mg

Endotoxin

0.1ng/ug (IEU/ug)

Protein

Protein quantitation was carried out by two independent methods:

1. UV spectroscopy at 280nm.

2. Analysis by RP-HPLC using a calibrated solution of NGF-beta as a reference standard.

Storage and Stability

May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage, store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 6 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.